A major labor union reports that Stellantis is contemplating the potential closure and sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant. Unifor national president Lana Payne revealed on Friday that Stellantis shared preliminary information with the union on Wednesday but has not yet issued a formal written closure notice as stipulated in the collective agreement.
According to Payne, Stellantis is obligated to provide at least one year’s notice to the union regarding any closure or sale, and the company has expressed its intention to engage in discussions with another entity for the possible sale of the plant.
Expressing disappointment, Payne emphasized the impact on union members who have dedicated themselves to the plant, stating, “To say that we are disappointed would be an understatement. This is a gut punch to our union and to our members, most importantly to our members, the workers who have given everything to this plant.”
In response to inquiries, Stellantis stated on Friday, “We are preparing to enter the collective bargaining process and have nothing to announce at this time. Our focus remains on finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for Brampton Assembly.”
Regarding the plant’s status, Payne mentioned that it was scheduled for retooling for Jeep Compass production, which commenced in January 2024 but was halted in February 2025. In October 2025, the company informed the union of its plan to relocate Jeep Compass production from Brampton to the U.S., resulting in the plant’s indefinite shutdown.
Asserting the importance of preserving high-paying union jobs established through decades of auto sector agreements, Payne affirmed that the union will address the matter with Stellantis during upcoming contract negotiations. She emphasized, “None of this is acceptable to our union and nor will it be acceptable to our members. The workers of Brampton and this country deserve so much better.”
Unifor reiterated its call for government policies safeguarding Canada’s auto manufacturing industry, highlighting the Brampton plant’s historical significance as an economic cornerstone and a source of quality union jobs.
As Unifor engages in labor negotiations with major automakers, including General Motors and Stellantis, Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, underscored the union’s commitment to defending jobs at the Brampton facility. Beato emphasized the importance of maintaining these jobs, stating, “This is not how the story ends for Brampton. You can mark my words.”
Unifor Local 1285, representing approximately 2,200 members at the Brampton plant, noted that workers are currently receiving income security during the plant’s idle period, with benefits covering 70% of their income.
In a statement of solidarity, Brampton mayor Patrick Brown’s spokesperson, Shawn Bubel, affirmed the city’s support for Unifor and the plant workers, emphasizing efforts to preserve automotive production in Brampton. Similarly, Riyadh Nazerally, representing Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, stated the federal government’s active collaboration with stakeholders to safeguard jobs and promote long-term investment in Canada’s automotive sector.